In this chapter, we set the context for management systems and outline two well established management systems for health and safety, namely HSE’s HSG65 and BS OHSAS 18001. We also explain the relationship with worker involvement and benchmarking.
Background
A management system is a series of procedures, usually in writing, which implements company policies for specific aspects of the business — in this case health and safety. It can be effectively self-regulating, including monitoring and reporting activities to enable deviations from policy to be identified and appropriate actions taken to overcome the deficiencies. Some management systems are certifiable; that is, they are certified by a certifying body accredited by UKAS.
The Management Of Health And Safety At Work Regulations 1999 set out the key requirements for a basic management system, namely planning, organising, monitoring and review, but with little advice as to how these may be implemented.
Management systems for quality assurance are commonplace and well accepted worldwide (ISO 9000 series being the main one). Similar management systems exist for environmental management (ISO 14001 and EMAS) and health and safety (HSE’s guide to successful health and safety management, HSG65 and the Occupational Health and Safety Assessment Specification, BS OHSAS 18001, available from British Standards.
These standards have similar formats and structures, so much so that some companies have successfully brought them together and introduced an integrated management system (IMS). This can save time and money on internal and external auditing, coupled with an improved emphasis on the issues important to the business.
The HSE website contains a PowerPoint presentation describing and comparing the practical aspects of both HSG65 and BS OHSAS 18001.